THE LITTLE GREEN DRAGON

A green dragon’s chosen family teaches him how to fly in author-illustrator Partner’s picture book.

One night, a young dragon, born from a comet, crash-lands in a forest “in a faraway realm.” He isn’t alone, as he first believes; a group of animals surround him in curiosity and confusion: “Then one small, brave bunny tugged at his mother. ‘I really would like to have a new brother.’” Thus, the rabbits, bears, squirrels, and other animals adopt the reptilian newcomer as one of their own. Although this makes him happy, the winged dragon also yearns to fly in the sky, like the birds he often watches soar overhead. He doesn’t know how to do it yet, but his new family is determined to help him learn. The bunnies teach him to bounce and the squirrel how to climb, but it isn’t until he turns to the owl that he finally understands how to use his wings. Partner’s debut picture book takes preschool readers on a rhyming journey that offers opportunities to learn about movement, animal sounds, and the balance between independence and family. Youngsters will enjoy spotting the clear answer to the dragon’s problem (flapping his wings) before the character himself does. Occasionally, the animals’ sizes seem disproportionate in the full-color, painterly illustrations; one rather large squirrel particularly stands out. However, the varied layouts are bold and welcoming throughout.

A lilting, enjoyable read-aloud about familial bonds and teamwork.